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New Blog Post by Devon Sleeth – Overcoming Panic Attacks

“Just Do It”

by Devon Sleeth

There is a point in time where you start thinking these things: “Why me?” “This is going to be the rest of my life.” “I’m never going to feel better.” People tell you not to think that way and to be optimistic and think positively, but lets face it, there are days where you have multiple panic attacks and you just want to give up. That’s when these thoughts and feelings make there way to the forefront of your brain. That’s when you feel like everything and everyone in the world is against you. That’s when you feel the most alone. That’s when you start questioning your self worth. That’s when you get angry with God. That’s when you feel like you have no purpose on this Earth because all you are feeling is panic and fear. Guess what? None of that is true. Everyone and everything in the world is with you. You are absolutely not alone. You are made for a specific purpose and are worthy of being alive.

For a really long time, I struggled to get myself out of this dark place. It’s scary to feel trapped there. I’m not saying that I no longer struggle with those thoughts and feelings, because believe me, I do. I just know how to help myself climb out of that deep dark hole. It takes every once of strength in my body to get out of there. I have severe GAD and I am going to live with it for the rest of my life. There is no cure. There is no off switch. There is no brain surgery to remove my anxiety and panic. There are no medications that take it all away. Once you come to that realization, that’s when you start to think, “Okay, what can I do to help myself?”

I have quite a few coping mechanisms that help me. Now, my coping mechanisms are going to be different from others because every person has their own likes and dislikes. For me, a lot of mine involve creativity. I am blessed with a musical brain. I love everything about music (except music theory, all music nerds will understand me on that one). If you stop doing the things that you love, your condition will only get worse. Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way. This is something that I struggle with. You might be thinking, “If it’s something that you love to do, why won’t you do it?” That’s a very valid question and I even ask myself that too. It’s hard because sometimes I don’t have the energy. Sometimes I don’t have the motivation. Sometimes I don’t have a reason why. But none of those reasons are a good excuse! If it will help you, just do it. Nike has a really great slogan for their brand. My most cherished and helpful coping mechanism is serving in the worship team at my church. It is my favorite thing to do. My church and the people in it love and support me so much and when I’m praising God through my talents that He gave to me, how much better can it get? It is when I feel my best. I feel like I am meant to be serving in that position. Everyone knows it feels good to feel like you belong. So, find your thing if you haven’t already! And when you don’t feel like doing it, JUST DO IT.